488RC4 vs 488RC0

Sparkz

I have just purchased a Manfrotto 550XPROB Tripod and I'm trying to decide on the "right" head to use. I've narrowed down my choices to the 488RC0 and the 488 RC4. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? If you have an opinion about them I would appreciate hearing from you. I'm currently shooting a Canon 50D with as 70-210 f4 IS, 24-105 f4 IS and a 10-22 all of them mounted on an old Tilt-All tripod. I'm also in the market for a 180 macro. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Candid Arts

I have the 190CXPRO3 legs from Manfrotto, and the 488RC4 Ball head, also a 50D, 24-105L (and more, but this is my largest [for now]). I like the plate and clamp with the RC4, but if I had the money, I would have gone bigger, ex: RRS BH-55, or even the 40 if you don't mind levers vs. knobs. The 488 is a decent ball head though, works for my equipment, which is about the exact same thing as you. Do you have the BG-E2N on your 50D? I know the plate for the RC4 is a bit big (which I personally like, more stable IMO), and I forget how it feels on the camera vs on the grip, it fits perfectly on the grip, almost the exact same width.

So yeah. Hope that helps.

Sparkz

Thanks

Candid Arts wrote:

I have the 190CXPRO3 legs from Manfrotto, and the 488RC4 Ball head, also a 50D, 24-105L (and more, but this is my largest [for now]). I like the plate and clamp with the RC4, but if I had the money, I would have gone bigger, ex: RRS BH-55, or even the 40 if you don't mind levers vs. knobs. The 488 is a decent ball head though, works for my equipment, which is about the exact same thing as you. Do you have the BG-E2N on your 50D? I know the plate for the RC4 is a bit big (which I personally like, more stable IMO), and I forget how it feels on the camera vs on the grip, it fits perfectly on the grip, almost the exact same width.

So yeah. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the information. I don't mind the extra levers and I would love to have the extra $$ for the RSS but at almost 3 times the price of the 488 I can't really justify it. I also don't have and probably wont get the BG-E2N so I'm not worried about that add'l weight so I think I'll probably go with the 488RC0 or RC4. Thanks for your comment.

Mike

Cygnus Studios

Really can't go wrong with the 488 series.

Grainbelt

Just picked up the 190XPROB and 488RC4.

Very stable, and the ability to fine tune the ball friction means minimal adjustment.

gryphonslair99

The 488 is a decent enough head. I have one and on occasion use it. I'm not however fond of the Manfrotto QR choices. The RC2 is designed for 35mm bodies but I don't trust it with large glass. The RC0 & RC4 are to me a bit unwieldy. The arca-swiss style is very secure for both bodies and glass, either small or large.

You might consider looking around for used 488, say the RC2 model and go with an arca-swiss quick release system in replacement of the RC2. Giottos also makes a nice head very similar to the 488 that you could change the QR on. For a ball head the QRC2.5 would be my choice of clamp.
http://www.kirkphoto.com/platforms.html

JohnBiggs

I have the RC2 and I love it. Sorry, I know you are after 0 or 4.

jasonstone

This is good info - I'm not made of $$$ so am also looking at 488RC2 or 488RC4 - think I'm going towards the RC4 as the price difference is minimal and looks like a better QR system - or at least more stable

wish I could afford Arca Swiss etc. but not for the next couple of years and the 488RC2/4 will be much better than my current head

Cheers, Jase

Candid Arts

I still say the RC4, I love the QR system and the size of the plate. I haven't had any issues with it what-so-ever.